Gary Rowett is speaking to Stoke City about their managerial vacancy, after Derby County reluctantly agreed to a deal.

I understand David Moyes was first choice to replace the axed Paul Lambert, but he was unsure about the role after only just leaving West Ham.

But Stoke already had their targets in mind and Rowett was always someone they wanted to speak to, and now they have made a move.

And sources close to Rowett believe he is keen to take on the task of getting Stoke back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with Derby set to look at a more budgeted approach next season – despite making the play-offs.

Now such is the belief that Rowett is the man for Stoke, Bookmakers have closed the market on the next boss.

BetVictor’s Head of ante post Football Michael Triffitt commented: “Following news that Derby had granted Stok permission to speak with manager Gary Rowett he shortened to 1/20 than the market was closed. With both clubs now likely to speak regarding terms, we have introduced Mark Warburton as the 8/1 favourite to replace him at Pride Park.”